Chasing the Northern Lights in Whitehorse: Ultimate Guide

Chasing the Northern Lights in Whitehorse: Ultimate Guide

Ever dreamt of chasing the elusive Northern Lights? Pack your bags for Whitehorse, the capital of Canada's Yukon territory. Nestled in a pristine wilderness, this little city is one of the best places on earth to experience the Aurora Borealis in all its glory. Whether you're a seasoned Aurora hunter or seeing the lights for the first time, Whitehorse will take your breath away.

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.

Online Course

Designed For Beginners

Mobile App

Designed For Beginners

Update: Hey there, we've added 10 free videos from our Ultimate Northern Lights Online Course to this post. In the videos, we explain the mysteries of the Aurora Borealis in simple terms for beginners. You'll learn things like what the Northern Lights really look like and how long the show lasts. Also covered are common shapes, Aurora forecasting, tips for finding the best viewing spot, and more. We made the videos short and right to the point. Enjoy learning new things about one of nature's most incredible light shows.

Aurora in Reality

€19.99

Ultimate Northern Lights Course

Course
99 Lessons
Includes 1 additional product

Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.

View product

Includes 1 Additional Product

Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

Where Is Whitehorse and Why It's the Best Place to See the Northern Lights

Whitehorse is the capital city of Canada's Yukon territory, located in the northwestern part of the country. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Whitehorse is one of the best places on earth to experience the dazzling Northern Lights.

The city's location in the northern latitudes means long winter nights and optimal viewing conditions for the Aurora Borealis. You'll have the best chance of seeing the lights between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest. The months from August to April offer the highest possibility of spotting the Aurora, with peak season from December to February.

There are many great spots near Whitehorse to view the Northern Lights.

In summary, Whitehorse and the surrounding areas offer ideal conditions and multiple options to view the enchanting Northern Lights. So grab your warmest clothes, set up your camera, and get ready for a dazzling display of one of nature's greatest wonders!

Lumyros Aurora App

All-in-one tool for Aurora hunting. Try the new experience.

Explore All Features & Get Now ↗

What Aurora Shapes Can You See?

The Top Spots to See the Northern Lights in Whitehorse

Whitehorse is the perfect base for chasing the Northern Lights. This small capital city in Canada's Yukon territory offers minimal light pollution and plenty of wide open spaces, giving you the best chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis.

The top spots to see the Northern Lights near Whitehorse are:

Fish Lake: A 30-minute drive from Whitehorse, Fish Lake is a popular spot for Aurora viewing with little light pollution. You can see the lights reflected on the lake for a magical experience.
Miles Canyon: A historic canyon only a 15-minute drive from downtown Whitehorse. There are hiking trails and viewpoints overlooking the canyon that offer prime viewing spots.
Gray Mountain: A short hike up Gray Mountain leads to an old fire lookout tower with 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys. It's a perfect secluded location to see the Northern Lights dance across the night sky.

Lumyros Aurora App

All-in-one tool for Aurora hunting. Try the new experience.

Explore All Features & Get Now ↗

Mount McIntyre Recreation Center: Just a 10-minute drive from downtown, the center has large open fields and trails ideal for Aurora viewing. You'll avoid the city lights but still be close to amenities.
Chadburn Lake: A scenic 15-minute drive from Whitehorse, Chadburn Lake is a top spot for keen Aurora chasers. With minimal light pollution in every direction, you'll have unobstructed views of the colorful night sky.
Mount Sima: Take a night skiing excursion to the top of Mount Sima, just 15 minutes from Whitehorse. At the summit, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the city lights below and the Northern Lights dancing above.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Whitehorse is between 10 pm to 3 am, from late August through April. Bundle up, find a secluded spot away from the city lights, and look north. If the Lights start dancing, get ready for a show you'll never forget!

In Whitehorse, you can also enjoy dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing and more under the glow of the Aurora Borealis. This winter wonderland will give you an adventure of a lifetime.

How Northern Lights Forecast Works?

When Can You See the Northern Lights in Whitehorse?

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis is often visible in the night sky above Whitehorse between late August and early April. The longer hours of darkness during these months mean more opportunities to spot the colorful lights dancing across the sky.

Late August to October and February to April: During these months, the nights are getting longer but temperatures are still relatively mild. You'll have a good chance of seeing the lights, without the extreme cold of midwinter.
December to January: The winter solstice in December brings the longest night of the year, giving you the most hours of darkness to spot the Aurora. Bundle up for the frigid temperatures, but the lights will be most active and vibrant during these peak winter months.

Lumyros Aurora App

All-in-one tool for Aurora hunting. Try the new experience.

Explore All Features & Get Now ↗

The Aurora is often most visible between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest. For the best views, head out of the city lights to one of the viewing spots around Whitehorse. The lights tend to be more active during periods of high solar activity and geomagnetic storms. Check the Aurora forecast to see predictions for the next few days and the likelihood of visible Aurora activity.

Some other tips to keep in mind:

Look north. The Aurora Borealis is often visible in the northern part of the sky, so face north for the best views.
Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. Avoid looking at bright lights or your phone screen which can ruin your night vision.
Listen for crackling sounds. Sometimes you can hear the Aurora as well as see it. The lights can produce soft crackling or popping noises as the particles collide in the atmosphere.
Be patient. The Aurora can appear quickly and fade away fast, or may start out slowly and build in intensity over time. Find a cozy spot, stay warm, and enjoy the show.
Take photos! Capture the magical colors and shapes of the northern lights dancing across the sky. Use a DSLR camera on a tripod with settings for night sky photography to get the best shots.

How to Find the Best Place for Aurora Viewing?

With stunning mountain scenery, clear dark skies, and peak Aurora viewing conditions, Whitehorse is one of the world's best places to experience the wonder of the Northern Lights. Bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable show.

The 3 Best Places Near Whitehorse for Stargazing and Aurora Viewing

1. Fish Lake
About a 30-minute drive south of Whitehorse, Fish Lake is a popular spot for catching the Northern Lights. This secluded lake is surrounded by mountains, providing a stunning foreground for any photos of the Aurora you capture. The lake itself often remains unfrozen even in the winter, allowing for beautiful reflections of the night sky.

Head out on Fish Lake Road and find a good spot to pull over and set up your camera.
There are some campsites around the lake you can use, just be mindful of any campers.
The lake is best viewed from the northern shore, facing north.

Can You See Aurora in the City?

2. Montana Mountain
Roughly 80 minutes from downtown Whitehorse, Montana Mountain offers panoramic views in all directions. At over 5,000 feet high, it’s one of the best vantage points for stargazing and seeing the Aurora Borealis.

Drive up the Montana Mountain Road as far as you feel comfortable. The higher you go, the better the views.
There are several pull-offs where you can park and set up to view the night sky and wait for the Northern Lights to emerge.
Make sure to dress warmly, as it will be very cold at the higher elevations. Bring extra blankets, gloves, hats, and insulated boots.
A headlamp or flashlight will be useful for navigating the area in the dark.
Other nearby peaks like Gray Mountain and Haeckel Hill also provide stunning views of the night sky and opportunities to see the Aurora.

How long Are Northern Lights Visible?

3. Lake Laberge
Lake Laberge has stunning scenic beauty that serves as an ideal backdrop for viewing the Northern Lights. Located just 45 minutes north of Whitehorse, the lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, providing minimal light pollution. Some of the best places to view the Aurora at Lake Laberge include:

Fox Point: This point of land jutting into the lake offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the area. On a clear night, the vast expanse of the sky allows for optimal viewing of the Northern Lights when they appear.
The North End: The far north end of the lake, away from Whitehorse, is the darkest part of Lake Laberge. Headlights will not interfere with your night vision, enabling you to spot even faint displays of the Aurora.

When viewing the Aurora at Lake Laberge, be sure to dress warmly and bring extra layers. Hot drinks and snacks can help ward off the cold while you wait patiently for Mother Nature's light show to begin. A dark sky and clear view make Lake Laberge a memorable place to experience the magic of the Northern Lights.

Eye vs Camera view Compared

Summary
The Northern Lights are often most visible between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest. For the best chances of spotting the Aurora Borealis near Whitehorse, head out on a clear night between August and April when the nights are the longest. While the lights can appear at any time, activity tends to increase around the equinoxes in March and September.

With scenic natural surroundings, limited light pollution, and frequent Aurora activity, the areas around Whitehorse are a stargazer’s and astrophotographer’s paradise. Bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for a dazzling display of the Northern Lights!

Lumyros Aurora App

All-in-one tool for Aurora hunting. Try the new experience.

Explore All Features & Get Now ↗

FAQs About Seeing the Northern Lights in Whitehorse

What months can you see the Northern Lights in Whitehorse?
The best time to spot the Aurora Borealis in Whitehorse is between late August and early April. During these months, the nights are longer and darker, providing the perfect conditions to see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

What time can you see the Aurora in Whitehorse?
The Northern Lights are often most visible between 10 pm and 3 am. For the best chance at spotting the Aurora, head out of the city lights around midnight when the sky is at its darkest. Find an area free of light pollution, bring a flashlight with a red light to protect your night vision, and be patient. The lights can appear quickly and fade just as fast, so keep your eyes on the sky.

Aurora Photography with a Smartphone: How to be ready & Is Tripod Essential?

Where are the top places to see the Northern Lights near Whitehorse?

Fish Lake - A 30-minute drive from Whitehorse, Fish Lake is a popular spot for Aurora viewing with open skies and minimal light pollution.
Mount Sima - The ski hill 15 minutes from town offers panoramic views of the night sky from its summit.
Miles Canyon - This historic canyon on the Yukon River is only a 15-minute drive from Whitehorse. Its high cliffs frame the sky, creating an amphitheatre-like setting to watch the lights dance.
Lake Laberge - A 45-minute drive north of Whitehorse, the long, winding shores of Lake Laberge provide many secluded viewing spots with unobstructed views of the horizon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Northern Lights happen every night? No, the Northern Lights are unpredictable and may not be visible every night. They are more active at certain times, especially around the equinoxes in March and September.
Will I freeze while viewing the Aurora? Yes, temperatures in Whitehorse drop well below freezing in the winter. Dress in insulated layers and wear a heavy winter coat, hat, gloves, and insulated boots. Hand warmers can also help keep your fingers toasty so you can operate your camera.
Can I photograph the Northern Lights? Yes, with the right equipment and settings, you can capture stunning images of the Aurora Borealis. Use a DSLR camera with manual settings, a wide-angle lens, high ISO, and long exposure. A tripod is also essential for steady, blur-free shots.

How Far Away Can Be Aurora Visible?

Other Winter Activities to Do in Whitehorse

Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is a quintessential northern Canadian experience. Several companies in Whitehorse offer dog sled tours where you can meet friendly huskies and go for a ride on a sled pulled by a team of dogs. It's a thrilling way to get out in nature and experience the Yukon wilderness in winter.

Snowmobiling
If you prefer motorized transportation, snowmobiling is a popular activity around Whitehorse. You can rent snowmobiles and go exploring on your own, or book a guided tour. There are over 2,000 miles of snowmobile trails in the Yukon, including scenic routes around Whitehorse like the Chadburn Lake Trail and the Montana Mountain Trail.

Cross-Country Skiing
For outdoor recreation at your own pace, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are perfect. Whitehorse has an extensive cross-country ski trail network, with over 120 miles of groomed trails. Some top spots are the Yukon River Trail, the Millennium Trail, and the Gray Mountain Trail. You can rent gear and get trail maps from local outfitters.

How to Understand Real-time Aurora Activity?

Ice Fishing
If you want to experience a quintessential Canadian winter activity, go ice fishing. Several lakes around Whitehorse, like Kusawa Lake, Fox Lake, and Lake Laberge, are popular for ice fishing. You'll need to drill a hole in the ice, drop in your line, and try to catch fish like lake trout, grayling, or burbot. It requires patience but can be very rewarding.

What kind of clothing and gear will you need? Make sure to dress in warm layers, insulated boots, thick gloves, and a winter jacket. You'll also want gear like an ice auger, fishing rods, bait, and a sled to transport everything.
Is it safe for beginners? Yes, as long as you go with an experienced guide. They will check ice conditions to ensure it's safe and teach you proper techniques. Never go alone, especially when you're first learning.
What's the best time of day? Early morning and dusk are often the best times for ice fishing since fish are most active feeding during low light conditions.

How to Capture Stunning Photos of the Aurora Borealis

Equipment
To capture stunning photos of the northern lights, you'll need a few key pieces of equipment. A DSLR camera is ideal, as it allows you to manually adjust settings to get the perfect shot. A wide-angle lens, like a 14mm or 20mm, works well for landscapes and night sky photography. A tripod is essential for keeping your camera steady in low light.

Camera Settings
The keys to a great aurora photo are:

Use a high ISO, around 1600 to 6400. This makes the camera sensor more sensitive to light.
Use a wide aperture, around f/2.8 to f/4. This lets in more light.
Use a long exposure, usually 15 to 30 seconds. This allows more light into the camera to capture the colors and movement of the aurora.
Turn off your flash. The flash will overpower the natural light of the Aurora.
Focus on infinity. Since the Aurora is far away, set your focus to infinity to capture the whole sky.

Lumyros Aurora App

All-in-one tool for Aurora hunting. Try the new experience.

Explore All Features & Get Now ↗

Consider noise reduction. High ISO can lead to digital noise in photos. Enable your camera's noise reduction feature to minimize graininess.
Shoot in RAW image format. RAW files contain more data than JPEGs, allowing for better editing and adjustment later on.
Consider using a remote shutter release. A remote release allows you to trigger the shutter without touching the camera, preventing camera shake for really long exposures.

Composition
Think about composition to make your aurora photos even more stunning. Include foreground objects like trees, mountains or buildings to give a sense of scale and place. Leave more space in front of the aurora, the direction it's moving and dancing. Capture reflections of the lights on water or snow. And don't forget to turn around - the Aurora often appears in all directions of the sky!

With the right equipment and skills, you'll be capturing magical photos of the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky. Experiment with different settings and compositions, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the show! The Aurora won't last forever, so get out under the stars and start shooting.

What to Pack for a Northern Lights Adventure

Dress for the Cold
When chasing the northern lights in Whitehorse, be prepared for very cold temperatures, especially at night. Pack thermal undergarments, insulated pants, warm socks, winter boots, gloves, a hat, and a heavy winter jacket. Don’t forget a scarf to protect your face from wind chill. The temperatures can drop well below freezing, so make sure you dress in layers.

Camera Equipment
Bring a camera that can handle long exposure nighttime photography, like a DSLR or mirrorless camera. A wide-angle lens, between 14 to 35 mm, will allow you to capture the expanse of the northern lights. A tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera during the long exposures. Don’t forget extra batteries, as the cold drains them quickly.

Other Useful Items

Flashlight or headlamp: For walking around in the dark and reading maps.
Camp chair: For comfort while waiting for the lights to appear.
Hand warmers: To keep your fingers toasty so you can operate your camera.
Snacks: In case you get hungry while out at night. Granola bars, nuts and dried fruit are good options.
Aurora forecast app: To monitor the likelihood of visible northern lights each night. Some recommended apps are My Aurora Forecast and Lumyros.

Optional Equipment

Camp stove: For making hot drinks to warm up. Be very careful using any kind of flame in the cold and dark.
Tent or camper: If you want to stay overnight at a viewing spot. Check if camping is allowed before setting up.
Snowshoes or cross-country skis: For accessing more remote viewing locations.

The key to a successful northern lights adventure is being prepared for extremely cold weather and long hours outside at night. Make sure you pack plenty of warm layers, gloves, a hat, insulated boots, snacks, a camera, a tripod, and batteries. With the right gear and some patience, you’ll be ready to experience a dazzling display of the Aurora Borealis.

Bonus: Northern Lights Song

The Legends and Mythology of the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights have fascinated people for centuries, giving rise to many legends and myths. The scientific explanation is that charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's magnetic field to create the colorful displays. But many cultures have their own stories to explain the Auroras.

Legends of the First Nations
The Northern Lights have long been part of the oral traditions of the First Nations people of the Yukon. The Gwich’in believed the lights were the spirits of the dead playing ball with a walrus skull. The Hän people thought they represented the spirits of animals in the sky. The Tlingit saw the lights as the torches of spirits descending from the sky.

European Myths
European settlers also had their own interpretations of the Auroras. Some thought the lights were reflections from large fires, and others that they were light from the sun reflected by icebergs. There were more fanciful theories too, like the lights being reflections from the armour of Valkyries riding across the sky.

A Magical Experience
Whether you believe the scientific explanation or prefer the magical myths, witnessing the Northern Lights in person is a memorable experience. The vibrant colors dancing across the night sky stir emotions of wonder, peace and connection with nature. No wonder so many legends have arisen to explain this celestial phenomenon.

If you travel to Whitehorse, keep an open and curious mind. Learn about the scientific causes of the Auroras, but also explore the rich cultural traditions of the Yukon First Nations. Sitting under a blanket of stars, with the Northern Lights shimmering overhead, you may just find your own meaning in the lights. Let your imagination go and enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular shows.

Conclusion

So there you have it, everything you need to know to plan an epic Northern Lights chasing adventure in Whitehorse. Bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for a jaw-dropping show of vibrant colors dancing across the night sky. Whether you post up at Fish Lake or hit the road in search of an even more secluded spot, the Yukon wilderness will reveal itself to you in a whole new light. Don't forget to take a break from the sky gazing to enjoy a steaming cup of cocoa in town, and do some dog sledding, or snowshoeing. However you choose to spend your days in the Yukon, the memories of those glowing green lights shimmering over the snowcapped mountains will stay with you long after you've left the North. What are you waiting for? The Northern Lights are calling your name in Whitehorse!

Learn more about the Northern Lights

For all people who are into The Northern Lights - View now our Online Courses

€19.99

Ultimate Northern Lights Course

Course
99 Lessons
Includes 1 additional product

View product

Includes 1 Additional Product

Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

€9.99

Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

Course
21 Lessons

Learn about the Top 19 Aurora Myths and Legends. But that's not all. Have you ever thought about how did it happen that people started to believe in these Myths and Legends? What had happened that night? 19 of Aurora Myths and Legends were turned into tales and are right here for you in this collection.

View product

⟵ Back to Blog page